BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Jevon Jackson rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns as UAB held off upset-minded Alabama State 52-42 Thursday night at Protective Stadium.

The teams combined for 1,034 yards of offense as UAB averaged 9.0 yards per play, while the Hornets averaged 7.0 yaards per play. The Blazers finished with 273 rushing yards and scored five touchdownson the ground, while Alabama State saw quarterback pass for 312 yards and four touchdowns while adding 119 rushing yards and another TD.

UAB quarterback Jalen Kitna passed for 247 yards and two touchdowns for the Blazers, who won their ninth consecutive season-opener.

Alabama State held a 28-17 lead early in the third quarter, but Jackson's 3-yard touchdown run got the Blazers back within five, and Solomon Beebe scored the first of his two rushing touchdowns to put UAB ahead for good. Jackson then broke free for a 46-yard run to give the Blazers a 38-28 lead after three periods.

Beebe's second touchdown run with 1:19 left iced it for the Blazers.

UAB scored on eight of its nine possessions, including touchdowns on all five second-half drives.

Corri Milliner had five catches for 98 yards and a touchdown for UAB, while Iverson Hooks had seven catches for 73 yards and a TD.

Jalen Jones had six receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown for Alabama State.